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|  [[01 Moathouse]] -> |
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====== 00 Prologue ======

The adventurers had been asked to bring important information to [[Byrne]] and [[Rufus]], leaders now living in the village of [[Hommlet]].

[[Smike]] had conned the party into exploring a Moathouse near the village. (Unbeknownst to them, he was after [[Lareth]] the Beautiful's spellbook.) Upon reaching the Moathouse they were attacked by a young blue dragon. After driving off the dragon the party decided to explore the upper level before heading downstairs. While checking out the rooms down the corridor to the west, you were surprised and cut off by a group of gnolls commanded by a figure in dark purple robes.

The figure spoke an invocation in a harsh tongue and [[Smike]] and [[Agellio]] (bard) found themselves rooted to the spot.

Seeing the power demonstrated by this figure, [[Nithieli]] (gnome illusionist met in [[Hommlet]], interested in history of [[Lareth]]) offered to join with them, saying he seeks their power, and the power of [[Lareth]] the Beautiful. As a pledge of allegiance he cut down the elven warrior ([[Andrinor]], party member) with a poisoned blade.

Furious with this treachery, [[Valanthe]] (druid) slew [[Nithieli]]. A couple of the gnolls began to haul [[Smike]] and [[Agellio]] away. [[Valanthe]] tried to stop them, killing one, but a hail of arrows from their comrades critically injured her. Desperate, she wildshaped into an owl, and flew out a hole in the roof.

[[Smike]] was bound, gagged, stripped of his belongings, beaten, and hung to a cell wall.